Eucalyptus pilularis
(Blackbutt)
Classification
| Division:
|
Magnoliophyta
|
| Class:
|
Magnoliopsida
|
| Family:
|
Myrtaceae
|
Geographic Range
E. pilularis is commonly found in the coastal plains between the sea and escarpments that range from New South Wales north to the southern portion of Queensland.
Physical Characteristics
| Height: | Up to 65 meters |
| Diameter: | up to 3 meters |
E. pilularis can grow to very tall heights with a long, straight trunk. After a fire has swept through a Eucalypt forest, the base of the tree becomes black in color with bark that is rough and spongy. This is contrasted to the smoother greyish color higher on the trunk as the bark is shed in strips. Leaves have glossy, dark green uppers with a paler underside and are somewhat sickle shaped (9-16cm by 16-40cm). Flowering occurs between September and March. Flowers are white (15mm) and from 7-15 bunches occur on one stalk.
Natural History
Reproduction
E. pilularis is pollenated extensively by insects, mostly bees, moths and butterflies. The nectar from the flowers attracts these insects and allows them to deposit pollen on the stigma of the flower.
Habitat
E. pilularis is a fire tolerant tree found in sclerophyll forests on coastal areas and on moderate slopes. E. pilularis usually grows in moderately fertile soil. A temperature range of 5-32 degrees celsius can be tolerated as can a rainfall spectrum of 900-1750 mm per year. Elevation ranges for E. pilularis are broad, from sea level-300m in the south and up to 600m in the north of Australia.
Conservation/Biodiversity
This species is not part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources "Red List" for the year 2000 but as deforestation occurs across Australia, it is subject to more disturbances.
Economic Benefits for Humans
Positive
The timber from Blackbutt trees was used widely throughout history for construction and for building wagons due to its strength, resistance to degradation, and resistance to termites. The oils of Eucalypts have also been widely extracted for use in perfumes and medicines. E. pilularis is also used for honey production in New South Wales, with bee hives on these trees capable of producing between 20-30 kg of honey per year.
Negative
Unable to find any negative consequences associated with E. pilularis.
Comments
E. pilularis is one of the least flammable of all Eucalyptus trees and will survive all but the largest forest fires with only an increased blackening of its bark.
References and Links
Image Source
| Entry Author: |
Lee D. Stirling |
Hobart College |
2002 |